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A Study on Urasoe-Gusk(浦添城) and the History of Exchange between Goryeo and Ryukyu

  • The Review of Korean History
  • 2012, (105), pp.37-72
  • Publisher : The Historical Society Of Korea
  • Research Area : Humanities > History

YOON, YONGHYUK 1

1공주대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

It has been known so far that the exchange between Korea and the Kingdom of Ryukyu was officially initiated in 1389 that was three years before the foundation of Joseon Dynasty. Therefore, the actual exchange with the Kingdom of Ryukyu was considered to occur during the period of Joseon Dynasty in general. However, the Goryeo style roof tiles excavated in Okinawa and Urasoe-Gusk(浦添城) indicate that the period of initial exchange between the countries needs to be dated back than current period. According to relevant researches, the Goryeo style roof tiles discovered in Urasoe Yodore are thought to be produced either in 1273, 1333 or in 1393. The result of excavation of Urasoe Yodore, which was conducted for several years in the 1990s, is significant in two aspects. Firstly, it has significantly reinforced the objectivity of historical records in relation to Eiso Dynasty(英祖王統). Secondly, it has supported the historical existence of King Eiso(英祖王) and proved that 1273 was the most possible year when the Goryeo roof tiles were made. The establishment of Yodore and the construction of Zenkan(禪鑑) and Kyokrakji(極樂寺) are believed to be closely related. Such relationship also explains the reason why Kyokrakji was located in the rough area in the back of Kyokrakji. In this respect, it is highly likely that Zenkan who established Kyokrakji in Urasoe Gusk, Okinawa in Eiso Dynasty was a Buddhist monk from Goryeo. However, it seems that the works of Goryeo roof tile engineers in the period of Eiso Dynasty were the result of one-time exchange rather than a part of continued trading between the two countries. In that case, it is reasonable to say that the presence of Goryeo roof tile engineers in Okinawa in the period of Eiso Dynasty was possible because of the special international circumstances in that period. Can the reason be found in the situation of Goryeo under the invasion of Mongol?

Citation status

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